^Thank you KP,

I'm not an operator, nor do I take classes that require me to beat the shit out of my rifle. That being said I don't want to drop the thing and have it break, or bend. I'm actually quite surprised at the info about the Geissele MK16. Those are some robust looking rails, and that barrel nut seems like a beast. I'm going to have to search for that thread on arfcom.

I actually read a review someone left on a YouTube video pretty much claiming the same thing about one of the Midwest Industry guards.

I have noticed to my surprise that most of the rails are 6061. I'll be sure and look at DD & SLR, and like you, I am seeing that a lot of stuff is out of stock which always seems to be the case when I'm looking to build something, even pre panic/pandemic